Exploring London’s Playful Hotel Within a Private Members Club in Mayfair

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Launched in 2022, the Twenty Two is nestled within an Edwardian manor on the northwestern edge of London’s historic Grosvenor Square. The opulent decor draws inspiration from 18th-century France, featuring vibrant red velvet and whimsical faux bois carpets, creating a striking contrast to the more subdued elegance of other luxury hotels in the area. While the service level rivals that of well-known luxury brands nearby, guests benefit from an added layer of privacy as this establishment functions as a private members club. The hotel boasts 31 rooms and suites available to the public, with members enjoying exclusive rates.

Be on the lookout for the launch of its second location in New York’s Union Square neighborhood, scheduled for September 2024.

Who is it suitable for?

This west London sanctuary presents itself as a retreat for the "creative and the curious." Offering an exclusive, luxurious, and somewhat indulgent ambiance, the Twenty Two is family-friendly but particularly well-suited for adult travelers seeking a central yet discreet location to enjoy their stay.

Location Highlights

The hotel derives its name from its location at 22 Grosvenor Square in the lively heart of Mayfair, an area that boasts a more vibrant and artistic vibe compared to other upscale neighborhoods like Kensington and Chelsea. Renowned brands such as Four Seasons, JW Marriott, and most recently Mandarin Oriental share this small independent property’s vicinity, with historic establishments like the Connaught and the Dorchester just a stone's throw away. (The new Chancery Rosewood is anticipated to open across the street in the former U.S. Embassy in 2025.)

Popular destinations like Hyde Park and Selfridges are just a short stroll from the hotel. For those wishing to venture further, the nearest tube station, Bond Street, is only a seven-minute walk away, providing access to the Elizabeth, Central, and Jubilee lines.

Accommodations

The hotel features 31 guest rooms and suites that defy traditional British decor. Instead, London-based designer Natalia Miyar has embraced a more extravagant, maximalist style inspired by 18th-century France. Each room boasts a unique layout, thanks to its location within a historic building. Various design elements are showcased throughout the accommodations, including intricate studios and suites adorned with Pierre Frey wallpaper on both walls and ceilings. Rooms in the main manor house range from the cozy 182-square-foot "Nooks" to the expansive 1,033-square-foot two-story Ginkgo Suite. There's also the 833-square-foot Mews House, which offers a private entrance on Lees Place and includes a kitchenette for extended stays.

Some rooms boast walls painted in a soft dusty blue, echoing the wrought iron lattice work found at London’s St. Pancras train station, framed in navy blue. While hallway ceilings may feel low, many guest rooms reveal soaring ceilings of over 20 feet adorned with crystal chandeliers. Floor-to-ceiling red velvet drapes frame views of the Four Seasons hotel across the street or Grosvenor Square, depending on the room's orientation. Antique mirrors are embedded in the lofty ceilings, and custom four-poster beds are elegantly draped in vibrant red velvet. The art is equally opulent, featuring framed pencil sketches of nudes. Couches and side chairs are upholstered in luxurious navy velvet, complemented by predominantly antique furniture in deep black tones with brass accents. Notable design touches include carpets with a trompe l'œil effect that mimics herringbone-patterned wood.

While some bathrooms are compact and feature only showers, others are equipped with bathtubs. Each bathroom has checkerboard black and white marble flooring and towel warmers. Guests receive complimentary canvas toiletry bags filled with Italian Marvis toothpaste and mouthwash, alongside other custom-made bathroom amenities exclusive to the hotel.

Culinary Delights

The restaurant at The Twenty Two welcomes the public, offering lunch and dinner every day with a menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired modern British cuisine. Dishes include sea bass crudo, a crisp artichoke salad with French beans, truffle-roasted chicken, and grass-fed beef Wellington. On Sundays, a traditional roast is served from midday until 3 p.m.

Throughout the day, hotel guests can mingle with private club members in the Living Room, enjoying coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, or protein shakes. While the Vault Bar downstairs prioritizes reservations for private club members, hotel guests can join if space permits.

Personnel and Service

The dedicated staff are always on hand to assist with any requests. While maintaining an exclusive and discreet atmosphere, the service from the doormen, front desk personnel, and restaurant waitstaff is welcoming and often engaging.

Accessibility Features

Housed in a historic structure, The Twenty Two features narrow doorways and the original main entrance has five steps. However, there are elevators available for accessing the guest rooms, and a selection of accessible rooms is offered. The staff is helpful in accommodating guests who require assistance.

Coming Soon: Twenty Two NYC

The Twenty Two is set to launch its second location in New York City, also named The Twenty Two, in September 2024. It will be situated at 16 E. 16th Street, just west of Union Square, in the former residence of heiress Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt. Completed in 1891, this nine-story building will house 77 hotel rooms, including 17 suites and a rooftop penthouse. London’s Child Studio will provide a contemporary twist on American design styles such as Shaker, Mission, and Craftsman for the interior. The ground-floor restaurant will be accessible to the public and managed by the team behind the Michelin-starred Musket Room. The private members club will occupy the second floor, with a gym and outdoor spaces set to open in the months following the initial launch.